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Jackets set to make history in 2016
SEB poised to win first region title in 21 years with realignment
SEB WEB

 Southeast Bulloch High School has seen a considerable rise in success since Pat Collins took over in 2010.
    The Yellow Jackets went from winning three games in Collins’ first two years to winning 20 games in the past three seasons. In 2013 and 2015, SEB reached the first round of the playoffs and lost in both instances. Now a new goal lies ahead of SEB, and it’s a weight that’s been looming over the program for decades.
    “This school has not seen a playoff victory since 1973 when we won state,” Collins said. “Our stated goal this season is to win a region championship, then a state playoff game.”
    Collins may have his best chance to make history since he arrived in Brooklet. SEB has 15 seniors who will have significant roles this season, with plenty of juniors to fill in the holes. Collins emphasized experience, specifically senior leadership, was going to be key to SEB’s success.
    “The seniors set the tone for your team, regarding leadership at least.” Collins. “On the line we’re fortunate to have three returners with a lot of experience.”
    The offensive line will be the strength for the Yellow Jackets, which is perfect for Collins’ wing-t, run heavy attack. With a line that averages around 270 pounds a player, “three yards and a cloud of dust” will be the style which defines SEB football in 2016. Look for big bodied seniors Brandin Hill, Colby Patton and Elijah Crispell to move lines and wear opposing defenses out up front.
    Behind that big line will be the returning bellcow back, junior Chase Walker. Walker is coming off a 1000 yard season and will look to go over 1000 yards again in 2016. Expect Walker to get at least 20 carries a game, with juniors Brandon Breda and Jaleel Hodge provide depth in the run game.
    “This is my third year here, and I think this is the biggest line I’ve had,” Walker said. “I’m glad they’re the ones up there doing the hard work.”
    Running the show on offense will be senior quarterback Caleb Carter, who will start his first full season under center in 2016. Carter has been more than good in the preseason, as he’s posted a 192.12 passer rating in two games where’s he’s thrown for 11.2 yards an attempt and completed nearly 70 percent of his passes. With star in the making sophomore Jontrell Wells as a weapon on the outside, Walker will allow the SEB offense to be much more than one-dimensional this season.
    “I’ve taken great pride in the weight room this summer in getting stronger,” Carter said. “It’s only given me more confidence every time I drop back to throw.”
    On defense is where much of the concern lies for SEB, as they lose nine seniors off a good unit from 2015.   
    “We’ll really rely on the seniors to set the tone on defense this season,” Collins said.
    Collins is a coach who believes in the importance of field position. This places a big burden on the defense, but so far this preseason they’ve looked more than capable. In two preseason games against Statesboro and Portal, the Yellow Jacket defense has only allowed 3.5 yards per play and pitched shutouts in both games. The defense will be lead up front by senior Antonio Roberts, with seniors Ty Cowart, Breda, Jonathan Volskay and Chris Scott backing him up at linebacker and in the secondary.
    Carter also returns as the all-region punter, with Andrew Cribbs and Evan Schlierf handling the kicking duties. Wells will handle all the return duties for SEB, and will also play some at defensive back. All in all, with a new region the outlook for SEB is very bright this season, with a chance to make history.

Here are four things to look for as Southeast Bulloch begins 2016 in search of a region championship:
   
    SUB REGIONS NO MORE: For the first time since 2013, SEB won't have to worry about subregions spoiling a full region shampionship. Say goodbye to Dodge and Pierce County and say hello to Windsor Forest and Groves, who combined to go 1-19 in 2015. This clears a much easier path for SEB to claim a region title.

    MORE DAVID THAN GOLIATH: With the newly classified region 3, Southeast Bulloch returns as the best team from 2015. The two closest schools behind the Yellow Jackets are Jenkins (6-4) and Beach (5-5). Savannah, Johnson and Islands combined to go 5-25 in 2015.

    POSSIBLY MORE AIRTIME?: SEB has always run the ball first under Collins, but with the progress QB Caleb Carter has made in the preseason -- perhaps SEB will open things up a smidge with the passing game in 2016, adding another dimension to the offensive attack.

    KEY GAMES: At Benedictine, 9/6: this will be a litmus test game for SEB. The Cadets were 12-1 last season and won the AA state title in 2014. At Jenkins, 9/23: Jenkins will be SEB's toughest region test on the road, and could be an easy slip up spot if the Jacket's aren't careful.

    OFFENSIVE MVP: Chase Walker, Jr. FB   DEFENSIVE MVP: Matt Breda, Jr. LB

    BREAKOUT STAR: Jontrell Wells, So. Ath. SENIOR STUD: Caleb Carter, Sr. QB/P

REGULAR SEASON PREDICITION:

8-2 (5-0) REGION 3-AAA CHAMPIONS